Question
Observing the world, we see that everything around us is material, composed of molecules, atoms, and neutrinos. We observe that living things are “made” of these same elements. Zen teaches that this world is one. How can we find spirituality in a physical world? And how can we explain that the world’s “enchantment” is not broken because there are no “extramaterial” principles?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
The material world is made mostly of emptiness, or space if you prefer. I am not speaking only of the space between objects, but of the very nature of what we consider material objects. The atom itself, which constitutes matter, is no exception.
Conversely, you think the space where you see nothing is empty of matter or objects, but perhaps it is filled with things your consciousness cannot perceive.
Kosen